Sporting organisations across Wrexham are backing the city’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029, with clubs highlighting the potential impact on facilities, participation and investment. The bid has received support from the Lexus Wrexham Open and Wrexham AFC amongst others.
Longlist Stage
As reported last month in Love Wrexham, our bid has reached the longlist stage and a successful bid would bring £10 million of UK Government funding, with estimates of up to £200 million in wider economic benefit. Sport is identified as a key area for investment, including improved facilities and increased opportunities for grassroots clubs.
The Lexus Wrexham Open is already raising the city’s profile. The international women’s tennis event, part of the ITF World Tennis Tour, attracted more than 4,000 spectators across the week last year. Welsh player Mimi Xu won the 2025 final. Tournament promoter Dave Courteen said, “As an international event, we’re bringing tennis players from all over the world to Wrexham. It’s one of only 25 cities in the world to host an event of this stature. Our last event had record figures of more than 4,000 attendees.”
Kirsty Sawyer
The tournament also brings an economic impact. Kirsty Sawyer, from Wrexham Tennis and Padel Centre, said, “When the Open was on last year, I bumped into an old school friend who now runs a local hotel in Wrexham. His hotel was fully booked for the week because of people going to the tournament. It’s one of the biggest tennis tournaments outside of the grass court season.”
Sawyer added, “It will give organisations like ourselves the opportunity to host more events and get more people engaged in sport.”
Padel continues to grow locally, with increasing participation at Wrexham Tennis and Padel Centre and Padel Point Wrexham.
Lili Jones and Kerry Evans
Wrexham AFC is also supporting the bid. First-team player Lili Jones is an ambassador for Wrecsam2029, while Kerry Evans, Disability Access Officer and Supporter Liaison Officer, is a trustee.
Jones said, “Being part of the UK City of Culture 2029 bid means the world to me. Football, especially the women’s game, is growing rapidly, and increased investment will help create better facilities and open up more pathways.”
Evans said, “It’s about creating a city that’s accessible to everyone and helping Wrexham to become one of the most accessible cities in the UK.”
Wrexham Rugby Club
Wrexham Rugby Club has also backed the campaign. Director of Rugby Jason Fletcher said: “Our pitches get used seven days a week. The bid will allow us to develop our facilities and could also help us fund new roles such as coaches and physio therapists.” The club works with male, female and youth teams, with facilities in constant use throughout the week.
Community groups have also become involved. Erddig Nordic Walkers is supporting the bid as an ambassador organisation. Executive Office Gareth Lloyd said, “The bid will help develop the infrastructure throughout thecounty, meaning we can offer more to our members and the community.”
Follow Wrecsam2029’s journey via the official website.
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